Black Hills Christian Academy (BHCA) exists to equip children to view life from God’s perspective because He is Truth (John 14:6). We believe Biblical perspective is communicated through 1) His Creation, 2) His Son, Jesus Christ, and 3) His Holy Word, the Bible. All Truth is rooted in the Bible (John 17:17), therefore, Christ and the Bible are central and embedded into every subject and activity. Our school will not teach anything or incorporate any content into the curriculum that we deem to be inconsistent with our Biblical worldview, our doctrinal statement, and our commitment to being a distinctively Christian school in every way, except to be used in a manner that teaches students to discern truth and train their minds for excellence.

Our responsibility to the student encompasses the spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional areas of their life. As students recognize God’s Truth and are assured of their calling and election, they will also recognize the worth God has placed on them and how they can live in a manner worthy of the gospel.

We believe that a proper relationship between family, church, and school is essential to Christian education. It is the responsibility of parents to teach and train their children; BHCA is an extension of the educational process of the home, partnering with families as they raise their children in a counter-cultural manner that honors and glorifies God and encourages a personal and growing relationship with Christ (Gal. 1:10). Together, BHCA and parents educate the complete individual resulting in godly character in action as students become disciples to their community, work force, and world.

As Christian educators, we desire to be faithful in our generation to communicate a Godly vision that inspires our children to walk in the freedom and openness of the Gospel, and in so doing, influences the world for Christ (John 15:19, John 9:5). BHCA grounds everything that we do on the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to instill in our students, families, and staff an eternal mindset based on God’s absolute truth.

Christian Education
Respect and love for God, country, parents, family and others are basic components of education each day. We expect students to demonstrate Christian love for each other and respect for authority at all times. Students receive daily instruction in Biblical principles and encouragement in Christian living. No doctrine that distinguishes a particular church is taught.

Academics
The academic program includes a strong, non-denominational, Biblically-based curriculum taught in the traditional style with allowances and encouragement for individual learning styles and capabilities. The curriculum concentrates on providing a strong foundation in the basics of language arts, math, the sciences and history. We also include Bible, art, physical education, music, Spanish, drama, and computer classes.

Discipline
All staff have been trained and use the philosophy of Love and Logic with their students. Discipline is positively spoken and demonstrated with students. Parents are informed of expectations, consequences, and rewards. We seek to encourage all students and serve their emotional needs as well as their educational and spiritual needs. Please feel free to let us know how we can help your child.

Instilling Christian Principles with C.A.R.E.

1. Respect to Authority – to give honor to
1 Thessalonians 5:12 – “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.” (to warn or give advice)

2. Always Do Your Best
Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

3. Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”

4. Show Kindness (No Bullying)
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

5. Show Your Fruits
Galatians 5:22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”
Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dealy loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

6. Tame the Tongue (don’t make fun of others/put downs or gossip)
James 3:7-8 – “All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poinson.”

7. Be an Encourager (to support)
Hebrews 3:13a – “But encourage one another daily…”

8. Be Honest (tell the truth)
Exodus 20:16 – “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

BHCA Rules from Love & Logic
1. Please don’t make a problem for others.
2. If you make a problem, I will do something.

Download the Anti-Bullying Policy

Every child is unique and reaches developmental milestones at different ages. Our BHCA Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten is a school. It is designed to begin your child’s school education and experience with hands on learning and developing a joy for learning. We have calendar, Bible, seatwork, centers, independent play, dramatic play, recess, lunch, and rest. We use markers, paint, pencils, crayons, stamps, scissors, and glue.

Here are some milestones your child needs to be able to accomplish to attend our preschool: • My child is fully potty trained. (Day time accidents are rare.) Teachers do not help in the bathroom at BHCA. Your child must be able to wipe themselves without assistance and wash their hands well with soap and water.
• My child can change his/her clothes independently including socks, underwear, and pants.
• My child can take off and put on his/her shoes by themselves.
• My child can put his/her coat on independently.
• My child can follow 2 or 3 steps directions. (ie, go to the hallway and change your shoes for recess).
• My child can sit and listen to a story (3 to 4 minute intervals).
• My child is learning/willing to listen and obey.

Here are some milestones your child needs to be able to accomplish to attend our Pre-Kindergarten:
• Things listed above for Preschool PLUS…
• My child can follow 3-5 step directions.
• My child can sit and listen to a story for 5-8 minute intervals.
• My child can focus on a single activity for 8-10 minutes (ie. Craft or play a game).
• My child can hold a pencil using a pinching grip for writing.
• My child can trace or write their name independently.
• My child can hold scissors for cutting.
• My child can recognize some uppercase letters and sounds (the ones in their name at least).
• My child can recognize numbers 0-9.
If you are unsure if your child is ready for school, we would be happy to have our team of teachers assess them.